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The Varna Free University team won the national competition in criminal law sciences
05 Април 2026
First place in the National Student Competition in Criminal Law Sciences was awarded to the team from Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar," led by captain Vanesa Dragneva and members Elisaveta Nikolova, Maria-Yoana Donkova, and Yoana Simeonova. The winners were mentored by Judge Krasimir Shekerdzhiev from the Criminal Division of the Supreme Court of Cassation.
Second place went to the team from South-West University "Neofit Rilski" (Captain Nikolay Paskalchev, with Savina Pashova, Kristina Krachunova, and Milena Grozdanova), mentored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadezhda Krasteva. Third place was secured by the team from St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo (Captain Emel Ibryam, with Valeria Venislavova, Kaan Ibriev, and Gergana Milcheva), mentored by Tanya Karagyozova-Kachinska.
The award for Best Orator was presented to Eva Ivanova from Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar."
A total of 11 teams from Bulgaria's leading law faculties participated, representing: University of National and World Economy (UNWE), St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Tarnovo, Angel Kanchev University of Ruse, South-West University "Neofit Rilski" and Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar". The organizers of the event are the Lawyer's Club "Prof. Tamara Hinova" at the Student Council and the Faculty of Law at VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar".
The jury was chaired by Prof. D. Sc. Lazar Gruev, a distinguished legal expert and university lecturer, a member of the Constitutional Court (2003–2007), former President of the Supreme Court of Cassation (2007–2014). He was joined by Judge Rositsa Toncheva (Varna Court of Appeal), Prosecutor Valeria Zlateva (Dobrich District Prosecution), and academic representatives Dr. Daniela Atanasova and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nadezhda Krasteva.
Participants and the jury noted that this year's edition featured more complex cases and higher requirements while at the same time demonstrating a high level of preparation, legal culture, and argumentation skills of the students.
The competition consisted of two rounds: Written analysis and legal qualification of a case study, followed by drafting a resolution and providing a reasoned decision.
Six teams reached the final stage: two from Varna Free University, two from Veliko Tarnovo University, one from South-West University, and one from UNWE.
Among the official guests were the President of the Court of Appeal – Varna Marin Marinov and Judge Krasimir Shekerdzhiev from the Supreme Court of Cassation. The event was also attended by alumni of the university – Judge Ivan Stoynov from the District Court – Varna, Judge Milena Khazarian from the District Court – Veliki Preslav and the judicial assistant Plamena Dzhendova. Today they are magistrates and actively work with the students of the university, emphasizing that their participation in student competitions was an important part of their professional path.
Over 60 high school students from Varna attended the second round. They were hosted by faculty members, including Prof. D. Sc. Yonko Kunchev and Prof. Galina Kovacheva. The students visited the specialized rooms for forensic science and forensic expertise and the room for tactics and methodology of investigation. They participated in discussions of specific cases and became familiar with the practical aspects of solving crimes and analyzing criminal behavior. The culmination of the visit was their presence in the auditorium during the competition, where they followed the construction and defense of legal theses in a real academic environment.
On behalf of the hosts, the Vice President of the Varna Free University “Chernorizets Hrabar” Yani Yanev congratulated the participants and emphasized the importance of the competition as an environment for professional development, exchange of knowledge and affirmation of the values of law. The event reinforces its role as a significant national forum that unites the academic community, practice and future lawyers in Bulgaria.
The event was supported by key legal publishers Ciela and Sibi, who provided resources to encourage high academic standards for the future lawyers.
More photos from the event you can find here: